SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, has expanded its optical materials portfolio with the launch of ULTEM 3310TD resin, which is well suited for optical transceiver collimator lenses used in single-mode fiber optic systems.

This new polyetherimide (PEI) resin delivers a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than that of standard ULTEM grades. A low CTE is essential to optimize the dimensional stability of the collimator lenses and ensure alignment with single-mode fibers. Furthermore, the new grade provides near-infrared (IR) transmission without degrading signal quality.

As a potential replacement for glass, ULTEM 3310TD resin offers the efficiency of high-volume micro-molding, avoids the need for costly secondary operations, expands design freedom and lowers part weight.

“SABIC is helping to facilitate further adoption of single-mode fiber optics, an emerging datacenter infrastructure technology for high-speed transmission of large data volumes over long distances,” said Scott Fisher, Business Director, ULTEM Resins and Additives, SABIC.

“Our new lower-CTE ULTEM 3310TD resin, a great candidate for single-mode optical transceiver lenses, provides better design and production capability, and potential cost savings, compared to traditional aspherical glass lenses. This new material builds on decades of customer success using incumbent ULTEM resins for multi-mode fiber optic components. As the industry embraces new advancements such as increasing use of single-mode fiber optics, SABIC continues to innovate with targeted, high-performance products.”